Vega s strike Madu s own goal send Mexico to semis with 2 0 win over Saudi Arabia

Alexis Vegas strike just after the break and a late own goal by Abdullah Madu secured a 2-0 victory for Mexico over Saudi Arabia in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday, setting up a clash with Honduras in the last four.

Honduras, who knocked out Panama in a penalty shootout earlier in the day, will face defending champions Mexico in the semi-finals in Santa Clara on Wednesday.

Im really happy with the teams work, said Vega, who scored for Mexico for the first time since 2022. We will give everything to recuperate, get ready and try to reach another grand final.

Fulham forward Raul Jimenezs quick through ball set up Vegas sprint into the box, and although keeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi blocked the first attempt, the Toluca striker found the target from the rebound, putting the 12-time champions ahead in the 49th minute.

Tournament debutants Saudi Arabias hopes of making a comeback were put to bed in the 81st minute, with Matteo Chavezs cross from the left taking a deflection off defender Madu and finding the net, doubling Mexicos lead.

Saudi Arabia, who were invited to play in the tournament by the North American soccer governing body and reached the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group D, did well to contain heavy favourites Mexicos attack in the first half.

VEGAS HEROICS

Vegas diagonal shot from the left in the 13th minute was just too high for Marcel Ruiz, and Ali Majrashis acrobatic overhead clearance stopped Roberto Alvarados left-footed kick from reaching Raul Jimenez in the box two minutes later.

Majrashi almost put Saudi Arabia ahead in the 20th minute when he capitalised on a defensive error to run up to the Mexico box unguarded, but his shot missed the near post.

Vega, who created the biggest chances